The new aircraft is one of the three modern Boeing 737-900 aircraft that UIA receives in June 2013 as part of fleet expansion and renewal program. The carrier also plans to receive the fourth Boeing 737-900 aircraft by the end of 2013.
The new aircraft is capable of carrying up to 20 business class passengers and 159 economy class passengers in a two-class layout and is certified for up to 189 passengers in a one-class layout.
The 737-900 aircraft has substantial operation advantages over medium-haul competing models including increased range with maximum takeoff weight. It also provides more comfort for passengers due to enlarged seat pitch – amounting to 34 inches in business class and 32 inches in economy class – that is a substantial benefit on long-distance flights.
The aircraft`s ability to cover distances up to 6000 km with maximum takeoff weight allows the airline to maintain minimum rates and to offer passengers more tickets at low prices.
The new UIA aircraft is powered by modern navigation equipment and CFM56-7BE engines meeting the latest noise regulations. The engines` advanced reliability level and reduced fuel use allow increasing the aircraft operation efficiency as well as cutting emissions level.
“The new Boeing 737-900 aircraft arrival to Ukraine is a landmark event for UIA. Due to intensive route network expansion and significant increase in the number of daily operated flights, the issue of fleet renewal and expansion is currently particularly pointed for us, – noted Yuri Miroshnikov, UIA President. – We hope that the additional flight resource will enable UIA to meet several top-priority challenges: to improve flight regularity rates, to significantly increase UIA fleet passenger capacity and, consequently, to better meet passengers` demand for the most popular destinations. We hope our passengers will shortly experience positive changes”.
Boeing 737-900 aircraft (UR-PSI) is scheduled to operate its first UIA-coded flight en route Kiev – Larnaca – Kiev (PS 341/342) on August 4, 2013.
